Swing shifts and hat juggling!

Pulling 2 overnight shifts a week, working full time and caring for my mother, my daughter, and when necessary my 2 absolutely amazing nephews has me exhausted, and it's really starting to take a toll on me. Any advice at all from other busy busy BUSY ladies out there would be greatly appreciated! Main troubles involve lightheadedness and finding time for me... And yes, my dance time has taken a serious hit! Anyone else been through this? How did you deal?

Re: Swing shifts and hat juggling!

poor thing----i've never had a schedule that bad. but when i've had busy times----be sure to eat well, whole grain bread sandwiches, brown rice/meat/veges, lots of veges, an occasional sweet but keep your body working well w/ healthy food. Your body will work better. your moods will stay more stable.

Re: Swing shifts and hat juggling!

To add to Taji's suggestions, drink plenty of water, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, send the kids off to play dates / over nights / etc. Wrangle people into coming and hanging out with Mom when you can so that you can catch up on your sleep. When i was working in movie production adn we were doing night shoots, I would still take Justin to the baby sitters in the morning so that I could sleep. i might pick him up early so I could spend time with him, but I knew if I got ill it wouldn't help anyone!

Re: Swing shifts and hat juggling!

Taji, you could be my sister... This is what I tell people when they need it. :)
I'm pretty good about nutrition. Kind of obsessive, actually . However...
So far, I am just starting my second overnight shift in a row, and depending on lean protein and (unprocessed) sugars in balance to keep me going. However, I'm still going on about 4 hours collective sleep because my sister left her boys with me because they were napping too, and she'd JUST be an hour or so... Well, things just didn't go so smoothly since she had my mother with her, and here I am. I'll live.... but circumstances beyond my control will definitely make it interesting!
Tahira... I am all for letting people take my daughter for a night, and I'm sure at least my sister's toddler, if not the newborn, would be able to stay with relatives for a night. Unfortunately, they all live over 200 miles away. Makes it difficult!
Thank you both for well wishes and suggestions. I hope to have a better handle on it soon. It's just taking a bit longer than one could hope! If only I could roll out my yoga mat while manning a reception desk...